February 2010

Dear AYO Alumni -

AYO auditions are underway. So far Mr. Pontzious and Keith have visited Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. After Chinese New Year, auditions will continue in Hong Kong, China, Japan and Korea where we will hear more than 1,000 musicians to compete for the 100 positions in 2010 AYO.

While doing the auditions in these cities, Mr. Pontzious and Keith had the opportunity to meet with many AYO alumni and join them for dinner. Of course the big topic of discussion was AYO’s 20th anniversary and the AYO Alumni Orchestra. Everybody is very excited about the chance to get together in Hong Kong and meet old AYO friends. Of course there are lots of questions, so we thought we would share questions and answers with everyone:

1. What is an Alumni Orchestra?
More than 1,000 musicians have participated in AYO over the past 19 years. These musicians are all AYO alumni.  This year, as AYO celebrates its 20th Anniversary, AYO has invited all alumni – yes all! -- to come together to form an orchestra – the AYO Alumni Orchestra – for one concert.

2. Where and when will it take place?
The Alumni Orchestra will rehearse and perform in Hong Kong. At this moment, it’s planned that all the alumni will arrive Hong Kong on Sunday, 8th August. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, 9th August and continue daily until the concert on 13th August. The concert will be played on Friday, 13th August, in the Hong Kong Coliseum. Alumni will return home on Saturday, 14th August. FYI, the 2010 AYO will be in Hong Kong at that time as the Alumni Orchestra and they will perform on 11th & 12th August in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. All the alumni will be able to hear the concerts of the 2010 AYO.

3. How many are in the Alumni Orchestra?
We would like to have as many as possible. Now we have almost 200. Can we find 300? 400? 500?

4. Is there an audition?
There is no audition for the Alumni Orchestra. Any alumni who would like to join only need to sign up at this link: http://www.asianyouthorchestra.com/index-alumni2010.html

5. What happen if there are too many people in one instrument?
Don’t worry. We will work it out. Everyone will be able to play. The important thing is to sign up now and let us sort this out later. So please talk to your AYO friends about this. Let’s bring the AYO family together.

6. How much do I have to pay?
AYO will be responsible for all land expenses in Hong Kong: accommodation, local transportation and meals. Alumni are only responsible to get to Hong Kong by any way convenient to you.

7. I am not a professional player now, but can I join the Alumni Orchestra?
Yes. Whether you are playing in a professional orchestra or you are investment banker, you are part of the AYO family. All are welcome to participate.

8. What is the repertoire and who will conduct?
AYO’s Founder and artistic director, Richard Pontzious and AYO’s Principal Conductor, James Judd, both of them will conduct the concert. The repertoire is the same as the AYO’s inaugural performance – Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Berlioz’s Symphony fantastique.

Some of you might have other questions and we would like to hear from you. Please feel free to write to us.

I would also take this opportunity to share the news with you that AYO is in the process of redesigning the AYO logo as well as the performance shirts. This will give AYO a new look and a look forward to another 20 years. We certainly hope you will join us to celebrate this special year.

Wish you all a joyous Year of the Tiger!

Sincerely,

Asian Youth Orchestra Alumni Association